Vacuum-creating apparatus



-' bodiment;

Patented May 6, 1924:.

i S t VACUUM-CREATING APPARATUS.

Application filed January 16, 1922 Serial No. 529,674.

T all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ALBERT JAooB LnoroLn AF Fonsnnnns, subject ofthe Kingof Sweden, residing at Skeppsbron 1 1, Stockholm, Sweden, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Vacuum-Creating Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

The present invention consists in an improved construction of vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, by which it is possible to create a high and variable vacuum specially adapted to be used in combination with methods and devices for treating different products, for instance for drying wood, bark, victuals and other substances, for cold boiling of liquids, for evaporating and condensing purposesyand for impregnating material such as building material, so as to make it fireproof.

Some embodiments of'the invention are shown in the accompanying drawing, wherein Fig. 1 is a vertical section of the first em- Figs. 2, 2, and 5 show details thereof to a larger scale;

Figs. 3, 4c and 6 show modifications of certain details; l a

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectionof a second embodiment; and i Fig. 8 is a vertical section of a third embodiment.

The upper shell part 1 of the apparatus (Fig. 1) is closed air-tight'at the top by means of a cover 2. Extending vertically through this cover is a pipe 3 through which water is forced vunder very high pressure (say from (Ste 8 atmospheres) by means of a pump. I

Air and gases enter into the middle part of the apparatus through pipes 12 leading from the vessel (or vessels) which contain the material to be heated and which is (or are) to be exhausted- The flow of the air and gases can be controlled externally of the apparatus, an annular part 11, with which the inlet pipes 12-directly communicate and which is wider than the other parts of the shell, being divided partly by an annular part 13, extending upwardly from the bottom of 11 and adapted to be raisedv and lowered by means of set screws 1 1, and partly by an annular part, extending downwardly from the top of 11, whereby a zig-' zag' channel is formed for said fluids, The

area of this channel can be increased or re-' duced, even when the apparatus is operating, by adjusting the set screws 14. The channel serves to prevent steam or Water flowing from the apparatus into the pipe 12, any water; which may have penetrated into the outer part ofthe channel being removed through a cook 15. 1

'The part of the apparatus below the annularpart 11 consists of a cylindrical chamber 16 having a cleaning and controlling opening closed by a cover17. Located in this chamberilti is an ejector nozzlev 10 at-' tached to the end of pipe 3, and attached airtight to the lower end of the part'l6, is

a funnel 18 forming the bottom of the cha ,v

. ber and having a central outletpipe or nozzle 19i located in alignment with nozzle 10 and projecting downwardly into a lower chamber 20, At the top the chamber 20 is nearly of the same width as the chamber 16 but it-tapers downwardly to the bottom from which extends an outlet pipe 25 in line with the pipe or nozzle 10. Thus the parts 16 and 20 form two chambers arranged in line with each otherin the direction of the liquid jet and inter-communicating only through the narrow passage formed between the central outlet of the funnel 18 and the pipe or nozzle 19 into. which. said outlet opens. The ejector is provided with a contraction 33 forming the communicating passage between the liquid delivering pipe 3 and the ejector nozzle 10,]and the latter tapers towards its delivering opening, the

diameter of which is less than the'diameter' ot the funnel outlet, or the second nozzle 19. Thus there will be free spaces around the jet in the nozzle 10 as well as in the nozzle 19.

-The funnel 18 is attached air-tight to the top of the wall of the chamber 20, and said 1 crease the condensing effect in the apparatus and thusenable a higher vacuum to be obtained. The cooling water is discharged from the cylinder 21 through a pipe 23 (controlled by a 000112 1) to a reservoir from I which all the water supplied to the apparatus is taken, and which water may be cooled to maintain it at a suitable temperature,

According to Fig. 1 ,the contraction 33is formed by providing at the top of the ejector a metal ring having an opening 33 which, if the tube 3 has an inner diameter of 49 mm., should have a diameter of 37 mm. )Vhen water at great pressure flows through the opening 33 it will obtain a very high velocity with which it flows through the nozzles 10 and 19. On opposite sides of the wall of nozzle 10 there are openings 34 and 35 through which air, vapors, steam and gases (sucked in through pipes 12) flow against the water jet producing great friction. This friction is further increased by a disc or nozzle l2 (Fig. 2) adapted to be fitted into said lateral opening 35.

The nozzle 42 consists of a ring having a central channel 38 and a series of small channels 36 shaped in cross-section as shown in F'ig. 2 and communicating, at 37, with the central channel. 38.

To produce a. high vacuum it is important that the temperature be maintained as low as possible, that is to say the temperature of the water for the jet must be as low as possible. The high vacuum and low temperature, however, tend to convert the steam and other vapors and gases sucked into the apparatus to a solid state (ice) instead of simply to a liquid state. Owing to the friction of the air,'steam or other vapor against the inlet channel walls and the liquid jet, however and also through the friction of the fiuid streams in the small channel 36 38 of the nozzle 42, the temperature is raised just at the places where the'ice is'likely to be formed.

By reason of the said nozzle l2 the vapors are not only distributed in the best possible manner but a rapid and proper condensation. of the vapors (in the upper part of the apparatus) is also obtained, where by the degree of the vacuum is increased. In order to controlthe How of air, vapor, etc. to the ejector, there is provided a sleeve valve 30 which has a lateral opening at the right hand side (Fig. 1) and which can be moved vertically by means of a toothed rack l0 and pinion 41, the spindle of which projects outside the'cylinder 16.

In the lower position of the valve 30, shown in Fig. 1, both openings 34 and are open, so that the air and vapors flow both through the nozzle 42 and the opening 3% intothe nozzle 10. )Vhen the valve is raised to the upper position the opening 34 is covered by the valve 30, while is still open through the opening or port in the valve. The'nozzle 42'is provided (Fig. 2) with'a funnel 43 attached thereto by stays or brackets 44 and serving to collect air or gases so as to have these'fiow in great quantities through the central passage of the nozzle and through the small channels 36.

In the modified nozzle 10, shown in Fig.

3, bot-h openings 34, are provided with similar nozzles of the constructions shown. in Fig. 4. In this embodiment there are also two opposite elongated openings 45 having no nozzles.

The embodiment shown in Fig. 6 is provided with a plurality of such openings 45 around the whole periphery. This embodiment is adapted to be used when a greater quantity of the fluids is to be sucked through the apparatus and the highest possible vacuum is not desired.

On this account the nozzle or nozzles 42 are detachable, so that different nozzles or no nozzles can be used in order to regulate the temperature around the ejector and the sucking effect to suit the nature of the fluids to be sucked away. The temperature may also be regulated by any other suitable means, for instancean electric device.

It will be understood that there will arise a powerful sucking action at the outlet of the funnel 18, so that air and vapors from the chamber above said funnel are caused to flow against the jet and down into chamber 20. Such airand vapors which are not immediately forced downwards to the outlet pipe 25 will collect in the chamber 20, but on account of the quick flow of the liquidjet through the pipe 19 to pipe 25, there is also produced a great suction in the chamber 20, so that the escape of the air and vapors from 20 to is secured, and such, air and vapors are prevented from exerting a back pressure in the part of the apparatus situated above the funnel l8 and the highest vacuum is constantly maintained in said part. To assist in preventing the steam and air sucked down into the chamber 20 flowing back through the pipe19 to the fun- 7 19 and into the chamber 20 being thus prevented from passing backagain towards the portion of the apparatus situated above the funnel 18, because the division of the space around the jet in the funnel outlet causes a greater friction of the air and vapors against the jet and, consequently, a certain obstruction of said space. Ultimately, the water and the gases'are removed through the pipe A pipe 31 controlled by a cock 32fis provided for the'purpose of admitting atmospheric air into the chamber 20, whereby the vacuum may be lowered, when desired, which is of the utmost importance for control during operation. The chamber together with pipe 31 and cock 32 thus forms a. means by which the vacuum can be regulated in the whole apparatus/during its operation. nel 18 and the chamber 20 also serves as a scale to prevent air leaking into the space within the lower parts of the apparatus. The highest vacuum is produced in the upper portion of the apparatus comprising the space above the strainer 26. Tests have shown that, if the nozzle 42 is used the theoretical highest possible vacuum, that is a nearly absolute vacuum, is obtained in the chamber 16.

Near and below the. cover 2 and attached to the pipe 3 are two superposed strainers 4 and 5 which distribute water as a fine spray over the upper part of the interior of the-apparatus, said water being drawn .by the vacuum into the space above the strainers through a pipe6 which is controlled by a cock 7 and has an outlet orifice 8. The openings in the strainer should not exceed 2 mm. in diameter. The spray acts to force vapors and gases towards the space around the nozzle 10 so as to facilitate their-escapethrough the strainer 26. To admitof cleaning and adjusting the straining devices, openings with covers 9 are provided.

4:7 is a draw cock for drawing off the water in the lower chamber 21, and 48 a vacuum-meter. g

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7 the fluid first enters into a drum 51 around the casing and flows through openings 52 in the casing, whereby the air'and gases are effectively distributed. ejecto'rs according to Figs. 3and 6 are preferably used. a

In the form illustrated by Fig. 8 the air' inlet chambers 53 have spherically curved walls so as to cause an effective mixing of vapors, gases and air as these expand in said chambers before they are forced down against the ejector nozzle. The casing parts 54 which project into these chambers serve also to prevent the water spray and steam penetrating into the inlet tube.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by- Letters Patent of the United States is 1. A vacuum creating apparatus of the' of a plurality of smaller channels for the The water surrounding the fun- In this embodiment escape of theexhausted-fluid-from said chamber to the second chamber. Y

2. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a vertical downwardlydirected nozzle for the liquid jet, said" nozzle being located within a chamber con- I nected to the vessel or vessels tobe exhausted, a second chamber located below the first chamber, a passage between said chambers located opposite and below the delivering opening of said nozzle and consisting partly of a single central channel adapted for the passage of the liquid jet, and partly of a plurality of smaller channels for the escape of 'the exhausted fluid from said chamber to the second chamber, said smallerchannels being open to theflcentral channel."

3. A vacuum creating apparatus of the e'jector type, comprising a vertical downwardly directed nozzle for theliquid jet, said nozzle being located within a chamber adapted to communicate with-the'vessel or vessels to'be exhausted, a second chamber located.

the escape of the exhausted fluid from said chamber to the second chamber, said smaller channels being open to the central channel, said nozzle of the ejector inthe first chamber opening opposite the saidcentral channel at some distance therefrom. 4. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a nozzle for the liquid-jet, said nozzle being :located within a chamber, adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, a second chamber located after the first chamber', a

passage between said chambers located oppositeand below the delivering opening'of said nozzle and consisting partly of a single central. channel adapted for the passage of the liquid jet, and partly of a plurality of smaller channels forthe escape of the exhausted fluid from said chambertothe second chamber, said smaller channels being open vto the central channel. 5

5. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a nozzle for the lquid jet, said'nozzle being located within a chamber, adapted to communicate with the; vessel or vessels to be exhausted, a second" chamber located after the' first chamber, a passage between said chambersdocated opthe liquid jet, and partly of a plurality of smaller channels for the escape of the ex hausted fluid'from said chamber to the second chamber, said smaller channels being, open'to the central channel, all sa d chenne1s' opening into a common nozzle projecting into the second chamber and opening freely therein.

6. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a vertical downwardly directed nozzle for the liquid jet, said nozzle being located within a chamber, adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, a second cham ber located below the first chamber, a pas sage between said chambers located oppo site and below the delivering opening of said nozzle and consisting partly of a single central channel adapted for the passage of the liquid jet, and partly of a plurality of smaller channels for the escape of the exhausted fluid from said chamber to the second chamber, said'smaller channels being open to the central channel, the nozzle tapering towards its delivering opening so as to suit the jet to the said central channel.

7. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a vertical clownwardly directed nozzle for the liquid jet, said nozzle being located within a chamber, connected to the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, a second chamber located below the first chamber, a passage between said chambers located opposite and below the delivering opening of said nozzle and consisting partly of a single central channel adapted for the passage of the liquid jet, and partly of a plurality of smaller channels for the escape of the exhausted fluid from said chamber to the second chamber, said smaller channels being open to the central channel, said smaller chan nels having alternately round and triangular cross sections.

8. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a nozzle for the liquid, located within a vacuum chamber communicating with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, said nozzle being provided with one or more lateral inlets for the surrounding fluids, and the ejector being provided with a contraction, through which the jet flows before it passes beyond said lateral inlet or inlets, said chamber having an outlet for the jet, which outlet is arranged opposite to the said nozzle, eXter nally accessible means for covering one or more of said lateral inlets.

9. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type. comprising a nozzle for the liquid, located within a vacuum chamber adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, said nozzle being provided with one or more lateral inlets for the surrounding fluids, and the ejector being provided with a contraction, through which the jet flows before it passes beyond .said lateral inlet or inlets, said chamber hav- .ing an outlet for the jet, which outlet is arranged opposite to the said nozzle, eX-.

ternally accessible means for covering one or more of said lateral inlets, said means consisting of a valve member movable longitudinally in the nozzle.

10. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a nozzle for the liquid, located within a vacuum chamber adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, said nozzle being provided with one or more lateral inlets for the surrounding fluids, and the ejector being provided with a contraction, through which the jet flows before it passes beyond said lateral inlet or inlets, said chamber having an outlet for the jet, which outlet is arranged oppoosite to the said nozzle, one of said lateral inlets being provided with a relatively wide central channel and a series, of relatively small peripheral channels open to the central channel.

11. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a nozzle for the liquid, located within a vacuum chamber adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, said nozzle being provided with one or more lateral inlets for the surrounding fluids, and the ejector being provided with a contraction, through which the jet flows before it passes beyond said lateral inlet or inlets, another vacuum chamber arranged in rear of the first mentioned chamber in the direction of the liquid jet, a passage between said two chambers, said passage being narrow compared with the chambers but sufficiently wide to leave free spaces around the water jet coming from the nozzle for the flow of the exhausted fluids from the first to the second chamber, one of said lateral inlets being provided with a relatively wide central channel and a series of relatively small peripheral channels open to the central channel.

12. A vacuum creating apparatus of the,

series of relatively small peripheral chan nels open to the central channel, all said channels being provided in a nozzle removably attached to the ejector.

13. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a vertical downwardly directed nozzle for the liquid jet, said nozzle beinglocated within a chamber,

adapted to communicate the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, a second chamber located below the first chamber, a passage between said chambers located opposite and below the delivering opening of said nozzle, a cooling device for the lower part of the apparatus, said device comprising a casing containing a cooling liquid which surrounds the second chamber and the adjacent end of the first chamber, the bottom of the first chamber forming a top wall for the said casing, and a space being provided for the cooling liquid between said top wall and the top wall of the second chamber.

14. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a vertical downwardly directed nozzle for the liquid jet, said nozzle being located within a chamber adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, a. second chamber located below the first chamber, a passage between said chambers located opposite and below the delivering opening of said nozzle, the upper part of the ejector casing being provided with a straining device, the space above this straining device communicating through a pipe with a water reservoir from which water, is sucked up into said chamber and falls as a spray through the first chamher, so as to force the fluids downwards.

15. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a vertical downwardly directed nozzle for the liquidjet, said nozzle being located within a chamber,

adapted to communicate with the vessel or this straining device communicating through a pipe with a water reservoir from which water is sucked up into said chamber and falls as a spray through the first chamber, so as to force the fluids downwards.

16. A vacuum creating apparatus of the ejector type, comprising a nozzle for the liquid, located within a vacuum chamber adapted to communicate with the vessel or vessels to be exhausted, said nozzle being provided with one or more lateral inletsfor the surrounding fluids, and the ejector being provided with a contraction, through which the jetflows before it passes beyond said lateral inlet or inlets, said chamber having an outlet for the jet, which outlet is arrangedopposite to the said nozzle, the fluids before entering the said chamber having to pass an outer casing or chamber surroundv vessels to be exhausted, a second chamber located below the first chamber, a passage between said chambers located opposite and below the deliveringopening of said nozzle,

the second chamber being connected with an air inlet pipe for admitting air from the atmosphere to the chamber, said pipe being provided'with a cock, so that the vacuum in the second chamber can be reduced and thus the operation of the first chamber be regulated as desired.

In testimony whereof I aifix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

ALBERT JACOB LEOPOLD AF FORSELLES. Witnesses:

SNEJ SWEURM, Euro HALGER. 

